This is part of the best two weeks in the calendar for the most fervent of NBA fans. It’s kind of like how the regular calendar has Christmas and New Years separated by just one week. The NBA calendar gives us the draft and the start of free agency at pretty much the same cadence. Today is Christmas in that analogy, and as of this writing, the Charlotte Hornets have some extra money to get us more presents this year.

We did a mock draft roundup to see what players are projected to go to the Hornets, and we did a whole series of prospect scouting reports for players projected to go in the Hornets’ range. Now it’s time to see the real thing unfold.

The NBA world has been active in the leadup to the draft. A non-comprehensive list of the highlights in the order that I can remember them:

• The big news: the Giannis trade saga has finally reached its merciful conclusion. He’s going to the Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis along with the 13th pick tonight, unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033, and a pick swap in 2030. Bobby Portis is going to the Heat as well.
• The Timberwolves traded Julius Randle to the Nets in what seems like a salary dump, which is interesting, as is the fact that Timberwolves are actually moving back five spots in the draft to get off Randle’s contract. The Nets are sending Nic Claxton to the Bulls as part of the trade as well.
• Trae Young is signing a huge four year deal to stay with the Wizards
• Teams are making deals on some of their pending free agents; Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin re-signed with the Suns while CJ McCollum inked a one year extension with the Hawks
• The Hawks also acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder for a couple of second round picks
• The Mavericks hired former Michigan head coach Dusty May, and it will be interesting to see if that increases the likelihood of any of his former players landing in Dallas

As for the Hornets, we haven’t really gotten much of substance. There have been a couple of rumors though:

• The Hornets have reportedly been in talks with the Kings over Domantas Sabonis, but nothing is imminent
• They are also reportedly interested in Daniel Gafford
• Very little of substance here, but there have been some quiet rumblings that the Hornets may try to move up, though it seems more likely they’ll be content to stand pat and use both picks

There’s surely going to be lots of news unfolding over the course of the day. I’ll add some things to this post here and there. Otherwise, have at it in the comments as we build up to the draft. We’ll have another open thread up for draft time.